This Weekends Project? Re-Gear!

I can't help with mileage, as I've never checked it. I'll let you know about recovered power though.

Thank you sir.

Right around 3k after the core refunds...

 

Got this 6" BDS setup now with 35"x12.5" factory gears 3.73's. 12-14 mpg Driving 1200-1500 miles per week right now! I might be able to justify the gear swapping if the highway mpg increased enough? Anybody have any information on increased mpg? Thank You!

 

Well, I ran into some problems.

First problem. Stripped bolt head on one of the tube bolts. Why they would use a bolt with a 12 point head in a spot that it's so tight? You got me.. EDIT: These bolt heads are female torx. I should've known better...



I got tired of screwing with it and just cut the head off.





That left me needing a bolt. Dealer was out. Local parts place didn't have one. Neither did Home Depot. Finally found some at ACE. I replaced all four with regular hex heads.

 

Next problem? I didn't realize that the front driveshaft slip joint slid a bunch when I pulled the diff out. I realized AFTER putting the diff back in place. So, I had to pull,it back out. That sucked...

Now, I can't get the driveshaft to go back together enough to put it back in. Although I know it's not a good idea with u joints, I took a BFG and a couple blocks of wood to it. EDIT: don't do this... pull the zerk and let a little grease push out. But, I was tired and angry at that point. Still a couple inches too long. Not sure what that's all about.

Guess I'll be 2WD until I figure it out...

With having to go out searching for bolts, and some other things I had to do today, I ran out of time. I'm going to get the truck drivable again in the AM. Then, try to figure out the driveshaft. Then, time permitting, install the compressor.

 

From memory - I'm thinking you can remove the entire front driveshaft while the front differential is in place, no? It's been a while since I've looked at it.

 

I sure hope so. It's out now, and the diff is in. PLEASE don't tell me the dive shaft won't go back in with the diff in place!

I need to figure out why the driveshaft won't slip back together enough to go back in. So, I might be driving without it for a couple of days.

 

Also, be aware that the driveshaft is balanced. So if you assemble it back in a different orientation than it originally was, a driveline shop will have to rebalance it.

 

If it's the front driveshaft I wouldn't worry to much about the balancing unless you plan on some high speed 4wd operation. The splines on the slip joint only let you line up a certain way so take the boot off and double check you are lined up. You can remove the front driveshaft without removing the front differential, it's 8 14mm bolts

 

Hey thanks. So the front is like the rear, in that you can only put it together one way then?

 

Well, you talked me out of it. I mounted it on the side of the AFE air box.
You're right, it'll be much sturdier.





I now have both Diffs and the driveshaft back in, and the compressor installed and plumbed. Only thing left is the wring for the compressor.

 

probably common knowledge, but here's a little trick when installing CV boots.

Even though I know better, i grabbed right onto the inner boot to guide the axle in. Of course, as we'll know, that pushed the pleats in and I couldn't pop them back out...

So, the fix? I took the clamp back off and stuck a little stir stick in like so:


Once the air can go both ways, the pleats pop right back out with a little manipulation.

If I were smart, I would've put the stir stick in when I initially installed the boot. Obviously, you pull the stick out once the boot is installed. Next time...

 

What axle comes with red boots? Or did you just buy reds ones?

 

I think you'll be happy once you see that thing jumping around when you air up a tire with it.

Sounds like good progress for the weekend.

 

I bought a rebuilt axle from CVJ a few weeks ago. I opted for the red HD high angle boot at the time. I was impressed with the red boot, so I ordered another boot for my other axle.

That's how I know about the stir stick trick. The rebuilt axle from CVJ came with a little tube installed in the same place I put the stick. There was a little note that said to remove it post install.

Oh, the compressor is just for the lockers. I have a bigger compressor that clips directly to the battery for airing up.

I still like this mounting spot better than the fuse cover. You were right. I might curse you when I'm extending the wires though...

I thought I would've been done with the Diffs and compressor on Sat, and start painting my new skids today... Wishful thinking!

 

I drove the truck today. Just to work and back. 35 miles total. I'm really glad I did this re-gear.

It's so nice to push the gas and not immediately shift down. Prior to the 4.56's the truck didn't like to shift back into 5th after shifting down. I found myself manually moving the shifter from D to 4th and back to D again to get it to go.

Now, it's working as it should. So far, I'm quite happy with it.

 

Yep - I liked regearing as much for the dailly commute as for off roading.

 

Yeah, now I need to get it off road. I just need to find some spots somewhere around North Jersey...

 

mahwah

 

This is what I wanted to hear. Not downshifting every time the gas is pushed. Fifth gear is almost useless... I'm always in 4 unless on the freeway.

What are your RPMs in 5th at 60 mph?

 

Yup, that's where I live. Right on the border of Suffern NY.